+ 7th Grade

Math: We are midway through our Probability and Statistics unit, where students are exploring how to calculate probabilities of both independent and dependent events. So far, they have been developing their understanding of sample space, simple events, and both experimental and theoretical probability. After Spring Break, students will continue this work by analyzing our March Madness bracket data and completing a unit assessment. Through this unit, we are also encouraging students to grow as wise decision-makers. As “order discoverers,” students are learning to analyze information carefully and thoughtfully, building skills that help them navigate the choices God invites them to make in everyday life.

ELA:

Bible: In 7th grade Bible the students are beginning a unit on the book of Ecclesiastes. This book helps provide perspective on the meaning of life, while recognizing people’s need for God and the blessings He provides.

Science: In 7th science we will continue our look at microorganisms. We will spend some time looking at bacteria and create some food for us to eat using them. We will then move on to the Protist Kingdom. One thing I know about God: He is incredibly creative! Bible: In 7th Bible we will soon end our unit on Ecclesiastes and learning the wisdom that God desires that we possess while examining our lives. Our next unit is on the book of Job.

We'll be having fun exploring this through experiments, discussions, and real-world examples—discovering how bacteria are essential to nutrient cycling, decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and even our own health (think gut microbiome!). From a biblical perspective, we'll marvel at how God designed these microscopic creatures to sustain His creation in remarkable ways, even as we acknowledge the effects of the Fall on our world. Stay tuned for updates as our garden project takes off! If you have any questions or would like to share ideas/resources related to this unit, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's learning.

Social Studies: In social studies we continue to work through our unit called US Grows and Develops, from 1800-1840. During our final two weeks of the unit we will examine treaties that our country made as we worked to establish our power internationally. We will also identify the ways in which our nation grew economically as well as how that growth impacted our population. We will learn about these developments through the lens of our 60 year learning target: We will find specific examples of how Christians can respond to the changes that we see in our government and society.

Spanish: 7th graders are learning about La comida latina, or Latin food! We are aiming to talk about our likes, dislikes and ingredients, based on the various dishes that are served and eaten throughout different Spanish speaking countries. We are wrapping up our unit shortly after Spring Break, and continuing to use vocabulary for “looks for” “finds” and “knows” as we use them in authentic contexts. After break, we will begin a Spanish novel, appropriately written for novice-mid/novice-high language learners.

PE: Pickleball drawing to a close as we go to spring break. After spring break we will be moving “fore-ward” with golf. Students have been reminded already of the extreme importance of safety and following directions very well during our golf activities as accidents can be very dangerous in this activity. But…. Looking forward to the weather change and spending some time learning to hit a golf ball!

+ 8th Grade

Pre-Algebra: Students are applying their understanding of linear equations to data analysis by exploring trend lines and their equations. They are learning to identify positive and negative correlations in data sets and use these relationships to make informed predictions. After Spring Break, this work will continue as students engage in deeper data investigations connected to their Restoration Projects. Through this learning, students will develop skills that allow us to use patterns in data to better understand the world and make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect God’s heart for His people and His Kingdom.

Algebra: Students are exploring quadratic equations and their graphs, building on their prior understanding of absolute value functions as a helpful foundation for this unit. After Spring Break, we will continue examining how different parts of these equations impact the shape and position of each graph. Later this spring, students will learn and apply a variety of strategies for solving quadratic equations. Students will also continue using data analysis to support thoughtful, data-informed insights in their Restoration Projects, where we pray to use patterns in data to better understand the world and make thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect God’s heart for His people and His Kingdom.

ELA:

Bible: Students are continuing to explore the growth of the early Church. After the break, we will move further through key accounts in the book of Acts, seeing how God used the lives of His people to spread the Gospel from Jerusalem, to Judea, and to the ends of the earth. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Seder Passover meal. It was a meaningful and blessed time of reflection for our class. May the celebration of Christ’s resurrection bring hope and strength to each of your families!

Science: In 8th grade science we will continue our value-packed unit on the Nervous System- ask your student about some of the things we have been doing to mess with our neural pathways- it’s exciting and fascinating stuff! When we return from break we will continue on in this unit, eventually transitioning to our unit on reproduction.

Social Studies: In social studies we are in the final two weeks of our unit North Africa Middle East. Our next areas of focus will be on civil wars that started in Syria and Yemen as a result of the Arab Spring. We will also examine how these wars have impacted the population in this region and led to increased numbers of refugees. Finally, students will learn about how religions impact the lives of people as well as the relationships between countries. Students will conclude the unit with a travel guide celebrating the amazing aspects of life, geography, and culture in a country of their choice. Plus they will wrap up their learning with a test near the end of the week of April 20.

Spanish: 8th graders are currently learning about La comida latina, or Latin food! We are aiming to talk about our likes, dislikes and ingredients, based on the various dishes that are served and eaten throughout different Spanish speaking countries. We are wrapping up our unit shortly after Spring Break, and continuing to use vocabulary for “looks for” “finds” and “knows” as we use them in authentic contexts. After break, we will begin a Spanish novel, appropriately written for novice-mid/novice-high language learners.

PE: Pickleball is ending as we go into spring break, and our Pickleball Playbook FLEx Projects are getting finished up too. The strongest of these projects will be appearing in Dick’s Sporting goods near their Pickleball equipment.

After the break, we will begin with several weeks of golf. Students have already been reminded of the extreme importance of being safe and carefully following instructions during our golf unit. They are aldo in the process of earning the opportunity to go off campus for a golf outing in May, by showing consistent cooperation, engagement, and responsibility during our PE time between now and the month of May.